The Games and Sports Department of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) successfully organized the seventh edition of the Jamia Premier League (JPL) 2026, a staff T-20 cricket tournament for teaching and non-teaching personnel. The tournament ran from March 26 to April 23.
Opening Ceremony and Semi-Finals
The opening ceremony took place on March 26 at the Sports Complex, JMI. The semi-final matches were contested between University Polytechnic and the Provost's Office, and between Jamia Schools and the Faculty of Architecture.
Final Match
The final was played on April 23 between University Polytechnic and the Faculty of Architecture. Team Architecture clinched their maiden JPL title by remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament.
Closing and Prize Distribution
The closing and prize distribution ceremony was held on April 23 at the Sports Complex, JMI, under the patronage of Prof. Mazhar Asif, Vice-Chancellor, JMI, and Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi, Registrar, JMI. The chief guest was Raj Kumar Sharma, Dronacharya Awardee and childhood coach of Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli. Faculty members and non-teaching staff attended the event.
Prof. Mazhar Asif congratulated all teams of JPL 2026 and encouraged staff to participate in sports for physical fitness. He lauded the winning team and appreciated the sportsman spirit of all participants. He also commended the organizing committee and the Games and Sports Department for hosting an entertaining and fitness-oriented event.
Prof. Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi emphasized the importance of incorporating sports into daily routines. He stated that physical activity and sports are vital for work-life balance, reducing stress, increasing energy, and boosting mental health. He noted that regular physical activity enhances focus, improves productivity, and fosters better sleep, while team sports strengthen collaboration. He congratulated the winning team and all participants.
Chief guest Raj Kumar Sharma appreciated the university's initiative to organize JPL for staff, promoting a healthy work life and high-performing workforce. He said such sporting activities foster positive relationships, productive teamwork, and diversity. He congratulated all participants and winners.
Prof. Nafis Ahmad, Hony. Director, Games and Sports, JMI, presented a report on JPL 2026, praising the fairness of officials and the core team. He noted that hundreds of spectators, including senior faculty members, attended league matches at the Sports Complex and Jamia School Ground. Prof. Mohammad Abid, Dy. Director, Games and Sports, JMI, delivered a vote of thanks to guests, dignitaries, faculty, the organizing committee, and staff for making the tournament a grand success.
Objective and Background
The tournament aims to foster a healthy work-life balance among university staff under the Fit India Movement, an initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India. The Games and Sports Department has organized this staff tournament annually for the past 11 years.
